German Development Minister Svenja Schulze is set to discuss healthcare assistance with Syria, aiming to strengthen ties between German and Syrian hospitals. The visit comes as Syria begins its journey towards peace and stability after decades of dictatorship and civil war.
German Development Minister Discusses Healthcare Aid with Syrian Officials
Svenja Schulze, the German development minister, visited Damascus on Wednesday to meet with de facto Health Minister Maher Sharaa and discuss cooperation between Syrian and German hospitals. The visit comes as Syria begins its journey towards peaceful and stable development after decades of dictatorship and civil war.
The new program aims to strengthen healthcare ties between Germany and Syria by training doctors from both countries. German doctors will lead workshops and train colleagues on new equipment, while some Syrian doctors will travel to Germany for similar purposes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rebuild the healthcare system in Syria, which was severely damaged during the civil war.
The conflict led to thousands of medical professionals fleeing the country, with many Syrians with Syrian nationality living and working in Germany alone. Despite efforts to recognize their credentials, many Syrian doctors and nurses prefer to stay in their adopted home. Schulze emphasized the need for a plan to allow Syrians residing in Germany to visit their homeland without losing their refugee status.
The Syrian diplomat Asaad Shaibani, acting as foreign minister in Syria’s transitional government, expressed hope that refugees could remain in Germany temporarily, citing safety concerns. With over 975,000 Syrian refugees currently living in Germany, the discussion highlights the complexities of their situation.
Challenges and Opportunities
The visit by Schulze marks an important step towards rebuilding healthcare relations between Germany and Syria. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding the recognition of Syrian medical professionals’ credentials in Germany. The transitional government has promised to hold free elections in 2025, which may pave the way for greater stability and cooperation.
As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this initiative will impact the lives of Syrian refugees living in Germany. One thing is clear: strengthening healthcare ties between the two countries has the potential to bring about positive change and support the rebuilding efforts in Syria.
